there’s a reason for everything

I always knew I did things for a reason.

Let’s take, for example, on why I like to close my dresser drawers around here. For one, I like it when my house looks clean. Second of all, I really don’t enjoy slamming into them and getting a pear sized bruise that will linger for about two weeks in the summer time.

Or let’s look at my bedtime in the summer even though I’m not technically working. Yes, I could stay up until midnight every night. However, I know no matter what time I go to bed, my body will naturally wake up at 5 or 6. I’d like to have seven hours, not five thankyouverymuch.

Looking back now, I now know why I get my run on first thing in the morning if I will be doing so outside.

 
Last night I had the genius idea to sleep in until 6:15 (yahoo!) instead of 5:30 so I could do my run after I did my tutoring session with an old student this morning. In my mind, there were a few pro’s to this situation. 1) I get to sleep later. 2) I don’t have to rush to shower and get ready after my run. 3) I can run longer later after I have a substantial breakfast to fuel me!

It all looked like it was going to be a good run. It was sunny, but there was a slight breeze. I found my iPod that had been MIA since my 10 mile race Memorial Day weekend. I even had new music on my iPod (don’t judge me for my Justin Bieber download) to help me forge ahead.

I was ready ready ready ready to run!

 
I set out slow, as I usually go out too fast and end up getting side stitches. I had an idea in my mind of what route of mine I wanted to take, but at the last minute I decided to take a new route along the I&M Canal Trail. I’ve heard great things about the trail, so I decided to give it a go.

It was nice – loose gravel instead of concrete so it was easier on the legs – not particularly the most scenic of routes as the trail is along an industrial park, but I’ll take what I can get. The only bad thing? Absolutely no shade. Nada. Zip. Zilch.

I was about 1/2 mile on the trail (about 2 miles into the run total) when I realized it was going to be a hot one. – reeeally hot. But I forged ahead anyways, having to take walking breaks pretty frequently. When I made my turn around, I almost went straight back home, but then I realized there was a water fountain about 3/4 of a mile ahead of where I turn to go home.

I wanted that water bad.

Then I cursed myself for not turning around beforehand after I drank the water. Why, you ask? Because then that meant I had to go up all the ridiculous hills I had been avoiding.

But I finished, and only with the help of Justin Bieber calling me his ‘baby’ at least 25 times – and there was a little help from a lady who made me want to fist pump to “Raise Your Glass”. I’m glad I finished too – not only did I get some color, but now I get to eat at least 3 cups of SO Delicious ice cream tonight. It’s basically a win win situation here.

And I don’t have half of a finger, so that is why 6 are up.

 
Did I learn my lesson? Probably not.

Someone remind me next time that there are reasons why I do these things. And if I come back with some ridiculous statement about how I want to sleep more, cyber slap me.

Question: Have you had a challenging workout lately? Have you ever done something that you’ve regretted later?

Tagged as: difficult workout, outside run, running, summer